RULES INFORMATION GUIDELINES FOR REFEREES 1. Referee s Assignment and Equipment It is the responsibility of the Referees to ensure the competition is fairly played in accordance with the Rules of Golf, Conditions of Competition (Hard Card) and Local Rules for the championship. Each morning, check in at the USGA Office before reporting to your assignment. A. Referees should be sure to have the following items with them on the course: Radio and Earpiece The Rules of Golf Rules Assignment Sheet Groupings and Starting Times/Match Play Draw Umbrella and Rain Gear (if needed) Notice to Players and USGA Hard Card Pace of Play Time Chart Championship Score Card Evacuation Plan Pencil USGA Credential String Watch Rules Notebook Scoring Device (if applicable) Hole-by-Hole Notes B. Check with the staff members in the USGA Office for announcements or messages. C. Pick up a golf cart, if needed for assignment. D. If assigned to a hole or zone, please become familiar with water hazards, lateral water hazards, ground under repair areas and any other potential Rules situations on your hole. Check bunkers and be certain rakes are placed out- USGA RULES NOTEBOOK RULES INFORMATION 1
side of bunkers and out of play. The referee is in charge of the hole. Introduce yourself to the marshals/spotters on your hole. Tell them where you will be positioned so that if they need assistance they can find you. E. If assigned to a group or match, plan to arrive on the first tee immediately after the group (match) in front of you has teed off. The starter will introduce you to the players in your group or match. You are to walk in a position that avoids distracting players and spectators. Please ensure that the walking scorer and standard bearer are in the same area. Stay up with your group/match and DO NOT LAG BEHIND. F. In match play, briefly discuss your role as a Referee with your players. The Referee shall keep the official score card and return it to the scoreboard upon completion of the match. Additionally, the Referee may be responsible for inputting the scores for each player into the scoring device at the completion of each hole. G. In match play, announce scores and status of the match after every hole. H. Use the radio with discretion. Use the earpiece to the radio so that you can stay alert to what is happening on the course with all the players. Also, when rain or bad weather threatens, please keep the airwaves open. I. If a player is being disturbed by a reporter or a photographer, speak to the press representative and ask that they be more careful. Please notify the USGA Communications staff of any problems. 2. Rules and Decisions A. Any Referee may make a decision when he/she is certain of a ruling provided he/she first refers to a Rules of Golf book. Be firm and positive, but take your time. If you have the slightest doubt, please use your radio to consult with a Rover. Each Referee shall strive to prevent violations of the Rules of Golf by advising or reminding players of their rights. A Referee in stroke play has an obligation to call any Rules infraction they may observe. In match play, unless a Referee has been assigned to accompany the players throughout the match, he/she has no authority to intervene in a match other than in relation to Rule 1-3, 6-7 or 33-7. 2 USGA RULES NOTEBOOK RULES INFORMATION
B. Any rulings with which you are involved in stroke play, or that are needed by your match, should be noted on the Rules Incidents Card. This should be done even if a Rover assists you with a ruling. Turn the card(s) into the USGA Office immediately following play. If you do not have any rulings, please note on the Incidents Card, No Rulings. C. It is important to sense when to talk to a player and when to be silent. Although there is no formula to follow, always use tact and good judgment. D. Deciding Questions of Fact: On the tee, position yourself to ensure players tee off within the limits of the teeing ground. Prior to any player making a stroke, inform the player if his/her ball is outside the teeing ground. If a player prepares to play a second ball without stating the purpose, the Referee should ask the player if it is his/her intention to play the ball provisionally. Be alert for any potential breach of Rule 13-2. When a player s ball comes to rest in bushes or under trees, try to be in a position where you can observe and assist a player when requested. Try to be in a position to observe the player s actions in a hazard. If necessary, advise the player that his/her golf ball is in a hazard. Be alert for any breach of Rule 13-4. On the putting green, watch to see that players do not touch their line of putt beyond what is permitted by Rule 16-1. (e.g., in the removal of loose impediments or movable obstructions, to repair ball marks or to lift or replace the ball). When a ball mark is repaired by a player, the Referee should be sure that it is a ball mark and that the repair does not extend beyond the damage made by the impact of the ball. When a ball stops on the lip of the hole, the Referee may have to decide first, whether it overhangs the edge of the hole, and second, whether the player has used the allowable ten seconds to determine whether the ball is at rest. Remind players to move the ball back to its original position if they have moved it to avoid another player s line of putt. In match play, if a player removes his/her ball from near the hole, make certain as to whether or not the putt has been conceded. USGA RULES NOTEBOOK RULES INFORMATION 3
E. Apply the Rules of Golf: Frequently, in reaching a decision, the intention of the player can be of primary importance. Before any decision can develop, the first order of business often should be the determination of the player s intent. Assist the player with a relief procedure, if asked. When a player is dropping a golf ball, ensure that the procedure is correct. Determine which player is away, if the players are in doubt. Ensure players play in the correct order. 3. Ground Under Repair No one is authorized to mark or otherwise designate any area as ground under repair without the approval of a Rover. 4. Pace of Play Checkpoint Officials are expected to monitor pace of play and be familiar with the Pace of Play Guidelines (see Pace of Play Section). Stroke Play Every Referee is expected to be aware of the pace of play. The Referee should time how long a ruling, a search for a lost ball or other legitimate delay takes on his/her hole and note any time of delay, reason and the player(s) involved in case the group is in breach of the Pace of Play Guidelines. No radio transmission is necessary. The Pace of Play Committee will contact you for this information, if needed. Match Play In match play, the Referee may notify the players when they are approaching being out of position. A Referee shall time how long a ruling, search for a lost ball or other legitimate delay takes and inform the Rovers. 5. Gallery Every Referee should be alert to ensure proper gallery control. Remember that spectators can walk in the fairway. However, please encourage any spectators to stay with their group so as not to slow down play of the group behind. 4 USGA RULES NOTEBOOK RULES INFORMATION
6. USGA Tents Starting and Scoring tents are for use only by official(s) assigned there. Please do not linger near them at any time during play. 7. Rovers A. Will be in carts and should ensure they have a Rover Box with supplies. B. Use air horns when advised. C. Assist Referees with rulings. D. Are responsible for timing groups/players according to the Pace of Play Guidelines. E. Must approve areas of ground under repair. GUIDELINES FOR OBSERVERS Preliminary considerations: Before play begins from the first tee, determine from the Referee via the radio the type of ball and markings used by the players. Assist the Referee in any way he/she requests. Notify the Referee if a Rules infraction is observed. Communicate only with the Referee and let the Referee communicate directly with the players. Principal duties of an Observer: Know the location of the players balls at all times. If any balls would be difficult for the players to find, remain at the location of the ball(s) until the player(s) or a forecaddie arrives. Coordinate ball location efforts with forecaddies or marshals, if available. If both balls are in difficult areas, be available if the Referee might want you to assist with one of the players and wait until both situations are resolved. Notify the Referee as soon as possible over the radio of potential rulings (e.g., possible interference with sprinkler head, embedded ball, ball in water hazard, possible need for provisional ball when original ball might be lost or O.B., etc.). USGA RULES NOTEBOOK RULES INFORMATION 5
Mark spot with tee on the water hazard/lateral water hazard line where the ball last crossed the hazard margin. Determine and notify the Referee via radio which player/side is away if there is a question. If pacing on the putting green, do not walk in player s line of play or line of putt. Do not go onto the putting greens unless required to determine which ball is away. Assist the Referee with five-minute timing procedure if there is a ball search. If the superintendent needs to syringe or blow debris off of the putting green, remove the flagstick so that the players will not hit into the putting green. Replace the flagstick in the hole when the job is completed. Reposition bunker rakes if needed and time allows. Positions on course: Must be positioned in the traditional forward location; that is, in the landing zone of the stroke being played (e.g., to the side of the drive zone when players are on the tee on a par 4, and by the putting green as approach shots are being played). May be positioned alongside a Referee only in the following two situations: o New Referees who are in training, or o Those persons observing in a ceremonial capacity. Be in a position to see flights of players balls, be able to determine where a ball comes to rest and whether it cleared or is in a water hazard, lateral water hazard, bunker, high rough, etc. If there are two Observers working a match, one should be on one side of the landing zone, and the other should be on the other side of the landing zone. On blind shots, if the landing area is not clear and marshals are unavailable, the Observer should stand in the middle of the fairway to hold up play. If necessary, the Observer will wave the group forward and move to the side when the landing zone is clear. 6 USGA RULES NOTEBOOK RULES INFORMATION
Anticipate the worst place a ball might end up (e.g., if ball is in greenside bunker, anticipate the ball being skulled over green and be in position to see where the ball comes to rest). Move to the next hole s landing area when all balls are on the putting green. Stay out of the way of the players so they can maintain the proper pace of play. Attempt to prevent any interference with play or disturbances by spectators in landing areas, particularly those watching the group/match ahead who may lag behind that group/match. Keep landing areas clear of spectators. Notify Rovers if there are spectator problems. POINTS TO COVER IN MATCH PLAY (AKA PUTTING CLOCK) A person should be assigned to give the following review about match play to the players of each match before they tee off in the first round of match play. It is usually done on the practice putting green or at the first tee before the players starting time. The match s Referee should be included in this discussion. The discussion should take only 2-3 minutes. 1. Referee appointed by Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules A. Shall act on any breach, but be in preventative mode. B. Position of Referee be in a position to observe but not overbearing. We are not the show. C. Monitor Pace of Play Guidelines. 2. Order of Play (10-1) A. Teeing Ground Draw dictates honor at 1st Teeing Ground; reckoning of holes thereafter. B. Other than Teeing Ground farthest from hole. Ask Referee if not sure who is away. C. No continuous putting; no penalty but opponent may immediately require player to cancel and replay. D. Four-Ball Competition: balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side considers best. USGA RULES NOTEBOOK RULES INFORMATION 7
3. Claims (2-5) A. Timely before next Teeing Ground or last hole of match before leaving Putting Green. B. Lodge with Referee. 4. Concessions (2-4) A. Loud and clear for opponent and Referee. B. Cannot be declined or withdrawn. C. Four-Ball Competition: if a player holes out after a concession and this act assists his/her partner, the partner is disqualified for the hole. 5. Status of Match A. Announcement and score card. LOCAL RULES AND CONDITIONS OF COMPETITION FOR 2016 USGA CHAMPIONSHIPS The Rules of Golf as approved by the United States Golf Association and The R&A govern play. See applicable championship or qualifying round Notice to Players and Entry Application for additional Local Rules and Conditions. Complete text of Rules and Appendix I may be found in the Rules of Golf, effective January 2016. Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for breach of a Local Rule or Condition is: Match play Loss of hole Stroke play Two strokes Local Rules Out of Bounds Defined by inside points, at ground level, of white stakes and fence posts. Rule 27-1b. Water and Lateral Water Hazard Stakes and Lines When a water hazard or a lateral water hazard is defined on only one side, it is deemed to extend to infinity. When a water hazard or lateral water hazard is bounded by out of bounds, the hazard margin extends to and coincides with the out of bounds line. Ground Under Repair Defined by white lines. Fire ant hills, sod-covered trenching for temporary cables and French 8 USGA RULES NOTEBOOK RULES INFORMATION
drains are deemed to be ground under repair. Rule 25-1. (Note: For a player whose ball is in a water hazard and is affected by a fire ant hill see Decision 1-4/10.) Ground under repair may include areas of unusual damage, including areas where spectators or other traffic has combined with wet conditions to affect materially the ground surface, but only when so declared by an authorized member of the Committee. When immediately adjacent to an obstruction, such an area is part of the obstruction. Seams of Cut Turf (Sod Seams) Local Rule as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect. Turf Plugs on the Putting Green May be repaired even if they are not 4 ¼ inches. Immovable Obstructions Include plastic bumpers on roads and paths and mats secured to the ground with spikes when the bumpers or mats cover cables. White-Lined Areas Tying Into Artificially Surfaced Roads and Paths Have the same status as the roads and paths, that of obstructions. Wood Chips and Mulch Are loose impediments, unless otherwise provided for in the Notice to Players. Embedded Ball Through the Green Local Rule as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect. Integral Parts of the Course Include cables, rods, wires and wrappings when closely attached to trees; artificial walls and pilings when located in hazards, unless otherwise provided for in the Notice to Players. Temporary Power Lines and Cables Local Rule as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect. Temporary Immovable Obstructions Local Rule as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect. Conditions Clubs: Grooves Optional Condition is in effect see applicable championship entry application for details. List of Conforming Driver Heads Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect. List of Conforming Golf Balls Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect. USGA RULES NOTEBOOK RULES INFORMATION 9
Limitation on Golf Balls ( One-Ball Rule ) Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect. Pace of Play See separate memorandum to players for pace-of-play guidelines, when applicable. Discontinuance of Play Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect. All practice areas are closed during suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open. Players who practice on closed practice areas will be asked to cease doing so; failure to comply may result in revocation of entry. Note: A suspension for a dangerous situation will be signaled by one prolonged airhorn note. All other types of suspension will be signaled by three consecutive airhorn notes, repeated. Resumption of play will be signaled by two short airhorn notes, repeated. Practice Prior to and after his round in stroke play, a player may practice on the designated practice areas. Rule 7-1b applies to other practice in stroke play, and Rule 7-1a covers practice before the round in match play. Transportation Optional Condition as prescribed in Appendix I is in effect. Close of Competition The competition is deemed to have closed when the trophy has been presented to the winner or, in the absence of a prize ceremony, when all scores have been approved by the Committee. The result of a match is considered to have been officially announced when the Committee has approved the result as posted on the public scoreboard. 10 USGA RULES NOTEBOOK RULES INFORMATION
Rules Incidents U.S. Amateur Championship Chris Jones 8 17 16 SP-1 Referee: Date: / / Round: Please detail all incidents for which you were asked to give a ruling and any other incidents that the Rules Committee should be aware of. Please return to USGA Office upon completion of round. Starting Time: : Hole: Starting Tee: Player(s): Incident Facts: Ruling: 15 in fairway. Rule#: 8 33 Tony Smith Stance on sprinkler head NPR established and ball was dropped twice then placed. 24-2 2 mins Ruling Elapsed Time: 1 Starting Time: : Starting Tee: Hole: 12 51 18 Leslie Wilson Player(s): Incident Facts: (TIO) behind green. 10 Ball behind scoring tent Ruling: 1 + 1 relief granted under TIO local rule. TIO Rule#: 4 mins Ruling Elapsed Time: Starting Time: : Starting Tee: Hole: Player(s): Incident Facts: Ruling: Rule#: Ruling Elapsed Time: USGA RULES NOTEBOOK RULES INFORMATION 11